Is Atheism a Coherent Worldview?

Please Support the Bible Translation Work of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

$5.00

Defining Atheism in the Light of Divine Revelation

Atheism, as understood by its proponents, is the belief that no God or gods exist—neither beyond nor within the cosmos. Atheists assert that all that exists is the universe itself, a closed, self-sustaining system with no need for a transcendent Creator. This perspective sharply contrasts with the theistic view, which holds that Jehovah, the eternal Creator, exists both beyond and in the world. The Bible declares in John 1:1 (ESV), “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Jehovah, and the Word was God.” This foundational truth establishes that ultimate reality is not a product of chance or self-existence but is the deliberate work of an eternal, uncaused Being. In rejecting the existence of such a Being, atheism posits a closed system in which everything—including the concepts of morality, meaning, and truth—is contingent and without ultimate grounding.

The challenge for atheism, then, is to account for the source of objective moral values, the order and design observed in the universe, and the intrinsic human longing for meaning. The biblical narrative makes clear that these are not arbitrary or accidental qualities but are inherent to Jehovah’s nature. “For all things were created by him and for him” (Colossians 1:16, ASV) affirms that every aspect of existence finds its purpose in the Creator, whose reality is the foundation for truth and value.

Varieties of Atheism: A Spectrum of Nonbelief

Atheism is not a monolithic position; there are various forms that range from the belief that God does not exist to the assertion that the concept of God is meaningless. Some atheists—often labeled as traditional or metaphysical atheists—deny the existence of any deity altogether. Others, sometimes called practical atheists, may behave as if there is no God while acknowledging that the idea exists. Still, others, like existential atheists, claim that even if a deity exists, human experience is independent of divine influence.

Despite these differences, the common thread among all atheists is a rejection of the transcendent, personal God who is the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. This view is largely influenced by the skepticism of thinkers such as David Hume and the agnosticism of Immanuel Kant. However, even Hume recognized that “I never asserted so absurd a proposition as that anything might arise without a cause.” The biblical understanding of causality, as seen in Romans 1:20 (ASV), “For his invisible attributes have been clearly perceived, being understood from what has been made, so that they are without excuse,” points to a divine origin for all finite things—a truth that atheism must confront if it wishes to offer a coherent worldview.

The Argument from Contingency and the Need for a Necessary Being

One of the strongest arguments against atheism is the argument from contingency, which observes that everything in the universe is contingent—that is, every created being depends on something else for its existence. Finite beings, by definition, are those that might not have existed. However, the existence of the universe, with its order and complexity, requires an explanation. The logical conclusion is that there must exist one uncaused, Necessary Being whose very nature is to exist by necessity. This Necessary Being is not contingent upon anything else; it is eternal and unlimited.

As the apostle Paul writes in Colossians 1:16 (ASV), “For by him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible.” Without an eternal, uncaused Cause, the chain of finite causes would lead to an infinite regress—a concept that is both logically and practically untenable. The biblical worldview holds that Jehovah is the uncaused Cause, the ground of all being. “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28, ASV) attests to the reality that all contingent existence is sustained by Jehovah’s power. Atheism, in denying this necessary foundation, fails to account for why something exists rather than nothing.

The Complexity and Order of the Universe: Evidence of Design

The universe exhibits an extraordinary degree of order, complexity, and precision. From the intricacies of DNA to the harmonious laws that govern the cosmos, every aspect of creation points to a deliberate and intelligent design. The teleological argument asserts that such specified complexity cannot be the product of random chance but must be the result of purposeful design.

Romans 1:20 (ASV) explains, “For his invisible attributes have been clearly perceived, being understood from what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” This verse implies that the natural world itself is a revelation of Jehovah’s character—His wisdom, power, and goodness are manifested in the order of creation. Atheism, which claims that chance or random processes are sufficient to account for the universe, is challenged by the observable fact that chance alone cannot produce the high level of order we see. Even if one were to argue that random occurrences are possible, such randomness, if real, must ultimately be guided by underlying principles that themselves point to a divine Intelligence.

Moreover, the universe operates according to laws that are precise and unchanging. The mathematical constants, the laws of physics, and the patterns found in nature all exhibit an inherent order that is best explained by the existence of an intelligent Creator. The biblical account of creation affirms this truth, and it stands in stark contrast to atheistic explanations that rely solely on chance.

The Moral Argument: Objective Truth and the Basis for Ethics

Another critical challenge to atheism comes from the realm of ethics. Atheists often argue that without a divine Law Giver, there can be no objective moral values or duties. However, the Bible asserts that moral law is grounded in the very nature of Jehovah. In Psalm 19:7 (ASV) we read, “The law of Jehovah is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.” This verse underscores that the moral order is not a human invention but a reflection of Jehovah’s unchanging character.

If moral values are subjective, then there is no ultimate standard by which to judge actions as truly right or wrong. Yet, the experience of human beings reveals a common moral intuition that transcends cultural and historical differences. This moral awareness points to an objective standard that must originate in a Being who is the source of all good. As Romans 2:14–15 (ASV) teaches, even those who do not have the Law written on their hearts have an innate sense of right and wrong. Such a universal moral consciousness is best explained by the existence of Jehovah—the ultimate Moral Law Giver. Atheism, which denies this foundation, ultimately undermines the basis for any objective moral order.

The Question of Meaning and Purpose

Atheism asserts that the universe is all there is and that life is devoid of ultimate meaning or purpose. In contrast, the biblical worldview affirms that Jehovah created humanity with purpose and that our lives have intrinsic meaning. Jeremiah 29:11 (ASV) declares, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This promise underscores that Jehovah’s plans for humanity are purposeful and benevolent.

The existential question, “Why is there something rather than nothing?” remains unanswered by atheistic perspectives. Atheists argue that the universe is a product of random chance or an eternal self-sustaining system. However, the observable reality of a coherent, ordered cosmos, coupled with the innate human longing for meaning, strongly suggests that there is a transcendent purpose behind all of creation. The Bible provides the ultimate answer: Jehovah, the eternal Creator, has imbued the universe and humanity with purpose. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10, ASV) affirms that our lives are part of a divine plan, and this purpose is the foundation for true meaning.

The Role of Reason and Objective Truth

Atheists pride themselves on a rational, scientific understanding of the world. Yet, if one accepts the rationality of the universe, then the existence of objective truth itself must be acknowledged. Objective truth implies the presence of an objective Mind behind the order we observe—a Mind that is not subject to the whims of chance or human opinion. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16 (ASV), “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” The existence of an unchanging standard of truth, whether in the natural laws or moral principles, points to a reality that is independent of human subjectivity. Atheism, by denying the existence of Jehovah, ultimately fails to account for why there is any truth at all in the universe.

Furthermore, the philosophical arguments advanced by figures such as David Hume and Immanuel Kant, while influential, do not negate the metaphysical necessity that underpins the existence of God. Hume himself acknowledged the universality of causality, and Kant’s agnosticism regarding God’s existence does not provide a convincing alternative to the biblical understanding that all finite beings are contingent upon an eternal, uncaused Cause.

Addressing the Problem of Evil and Suffering

One of the most common challenges to the existence of Jehovah is the problem of evil—the question of how an all-loving, all-powerful God can permit suffering and injustice. Atheists often use the existence of evil as evidence against the existence of a benevolent Creator. However, the Bible provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the presence of evil in a fallen world. The reality of evil is acknowledged throughout Scripture, yet it does not negate the existence of Jehovah; rather, it underscores the need for divine redemption.

Romans 3:23 (ASV) states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of Jehovah.” The fall of humanity into sin brought with it corruption, suffering, and death. However, the biblical narrative is not one of despair but of hope—a hope that is realized in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ASV) stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith, offering a solution to the problem of evil. Jehovah, in His infinite wisdom, has provided a path to restoration and healing, even though His ways may remain beyond human comprehension. Atheism, by contrast, offers no such hope and leaves the problem of evil as an insurmountable mystery.

The Ultimate Basis for Morality, Meaning, and Reason

Atheism asserts that without God, there is no objective basis for morality, meaning, or rationality. Yet, the very existence of these objective qualities in our lives points to a transcendent source. The Bible affirms that Jehovah is the standard of all that is good. “The law of Jehovah is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7, ASV) confirms that there is an unchanging moral order established by the Creator. Without a divine Law Giver, morality would be a mere human construct, subject to the fluctuations of culture and individual preference.

Furthermore, the existence of objective beauty, truth, and reason in the universe implies that there is a source for these qualities that is not contingent upon human thought. When we gaze upon the intricate design of the cosmos or experience the profound beauty of nature, we are reminded that these are not accidents but reflections of a purposeful Creator. “For his invisible attributes have been clearly perceived, being understood from what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20, ASV) attests that the natural world is a revelation of Jehovah’s character. Atheism, by denying this source, fails to provide a coherent foundation for the objective standards that we experience in our daily lives.

The Rationality of Belief in Jehovah

A coherent worldview must be able to account for the full range of human experience—morality, beauty, order, and meaning. The biblical worldview, rooted in the revelation of Jehovah, provides a comprehensive answer to these existential questions. It posits that everything that exists is contingent upon an uncaused, Necessary Being who is the source of all truth and goodness. This view is not only philosophically robust but is also supported by the clear testimony of Scripture. “For in him all things were created, and without him nothing was created that has been created” (John 1:3, ASV) leaves no room for the notion that the universe is merely a product of random chance.

Critics of theism often argue that the universe could have come into being by chance or that the existence of evil undermines the notion of an all-powerful, all-loving God. However, the biblical response to these objections is both consistent and compelling. While the problem of evil remains a profound mystery in our fallen world, the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ provides a solution that is absent in atheistic thought. Moreover, the intricate order and design evident in creation point unmistakably to the existence of an intelligent, purposeful Creator. Atheism, in contrast, struggles to account for the presence of objective moral values, meaning, and rationality without resorting to ad hoc explanations.

Conclusion: The Coherence of the Theistic Worldview

In conclusion, the objections raised by atheists against proofs for God, though they may appear persuasive at first glance, do not undermine the rational, metaphysical, and biblical foundation for the existence of Jehovah. The reality of a contingent universe that requires an uncaused, Necessary Being, the objective moral order that presupposes a Moral Law Giver, and the profound sense of meaning and purpose that pervades human life all point to the truth that Jehovah is the ultimate Source of all that is good, true, and beautiful.

The biblical testimony is clear: Jehovah created all things, and in Him we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28, ASV). Our understanding of causality, morality, and purpose is rooted in the unchanging revelation of Jehovah’s Word. As believers, we stand on the firm foundation of Scripture, which declares in Psalm 119:105 (ASV), “Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” This eternal truth not only provides the basis for a coherent theistic worldview but also serves as a constant reminder that our hope and reason are anchored in the reality of Jehovah.

Thus, while atheism may claim to offer a self-sufficient explanation of the universe, it ultimately falls short in accounting for the fullness of human experience and the undeniable presence of objective truth. The coherent, comprehensive, and life-affirming worldview revealed in the Bible remains the most compelling and rational explanation for why there is something rather than nothing, why moral values exist, and why life possesses ultimate meaning. For in the end, every finite being finds its explanation in the eternal, uncaused Being—Jehovah, the Creator of all that exists.

You May Also Benefit From

Does Arianism Stand Up to the Truth of God’s Word?

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).